Itea (to Delphi), Greece
After docking overnight in the small port of Itea, we woke early to take the short, steep drive up the valley to the sacred religious site of Delphi. Considered the “navel of the world”, or omphallos, Delphi was the site of the famous oracle that could answer the most important questions of the future. Geologic evidence today supports the theory that fissures in the rock released gases, which a designated “priestess” would inhale and then speak in trances and contemplate the questions posed. However, it was only the highest priests, who were very worldly and aware of complex political realities, that could “interpret” the tongues and pose the contemplative replies.
Whatever the truth and the foundations, no region of the ancient Greek world took its chances, so temples, monuments and gifts from all over the Mediterranean decorated the slopes of Delphi. We began with a walk past the ancient stoa, where religious paraphernalia was sold to pilgrims and worshipers. Further along we passed the treasury of Siphnos, one of the greatest gifts of gold from the small Cycladic island. The Temple of Apollo dominates the center of the sight, and we then continued up to the theater.
The views of the valley below were fantastic, and one could not help but imagine the theater full of viewers enjoying Greek drama with the inspiring vista beyond.
Our visit to Delphi concluded with our guides Sophia and Effie taking us through the museum. This bronze charioteer was only one of hundreds of breathtaking pieces that were unearthed in the 19th century excavations. We returned to Panorama to cruise the Gulf of Korinth for the rest of the day and consider our own oracles revealed at Delphi.
After docking overnight in the small port of Itea, we woke early to take the short, steep drive up the valley to the sacred religious site of Delphi. Considered the “navel of the world”, or omphallos, Delphi was the site of the famous oracle that could answer the most important questions of the future. Geologic evidence today supports the theory that fissures in the rock released gases, which a designated “priestess” would inhale and then speak in trances and contemplate the questions posed. However, it was only the highest priests, who were very worldly and aware of complex political realities, that could “interpret” the tongues and pose the contemplative replies.
Whatever the truth and the foundations, no region of the ancient Greek world took its chances, so temples, monuments and gifts from all over the Mediterranean decorated the slopes of Delphi. We began with a walk past the ancient stoa, where religious paraphernalia was sold to pilgrims and worshipers. Further along we passed the treasury of Siphnos, one of the greatest gifts of gold from the small Cycladic island. The Temple of Apollo dominates the center of the sight, and we then continued up to the theater.
The views of the valley below were fantastic, and one could not help but imagine the theater full of viewers enjoying Greek drama with the inspiring vista beyond.
Our visit to Delphi concluded with our guides Sophia and Effie taking us through the museum. This bronze charioteer was only one of hundreds of breathtaking pieces that were unearthed in the 19th century excavations. We returned to Panorama to cruise the Gulf of Korinth for the rest of the day and consider our own oracles revealed at Delphi.
